In Australia, people living with hepatitis B and hepatitis C have rights that protect them from being discriminated against. People living with hepatitis B or C also have responsibilities to protect public health. There are laws that protect these rights and responsibilities, including the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and the Privacy Act 1988. There are also specific laws in each state and territory to protect people with hepatitis.
This guide (following sections) will give you information about your legal rights and responsibilities when it comes to telling others you have hepatitis B or C. We also have some tips to help you tell people when you decide you want to talk to them about your hepatitis status.
Please note that this guide is provided for general information only and is not intended as individual medical or legal advice. Hepatitis Australia encourages all readers to seek independent advice before making any decisions based on the information provided here.
In most situations it is your choice whether you tell someone that you have hepatitis B or hepatitis C. However, there are some situations where you must disclose that you have, or previously had, hepatitis. Read more
This page contains information to help you talk to the people you decide to tell, including friends and family, employers and education institutions, and health care workers. Read more
This brief factsheet provides an overview of peoples' rights and responsibilities when living with hepatitis B or hepatitis C. Read more
Having hepatitis does not mean that you should be treated differently from anyone else. Read more
In general, it is illegal for most employers and all health care services to share any identifiable information about your health without your permission. Read more